No.6 1994 defender 130 expediTiOn-SpeC T
he 130 is the longest of the Defender variants, with a wheelbase of 127 inches. To some, this Defender is just too big and, as a result, it’s the least common of the three wheelbases. It’s predominantly a working vehicle and proved popular with utility companies due to its greatly increased cargo capacity compared to the 110 and (especially) the 90. Andrew Harrison-Smith bought this 1994 130 double-cab pick-up straight from Southern Electric after three years of hard service. Its role was to serve as a promotional vehicle – to showcase the type of overland modifications and accessories that his company, Nene Overland, could offer to those wanting the perfect expedition vehicle. The 130 has been fitted with a CamelBAC storage canopy on the back of the high-capacity rear body to give more space and secure storage, with doors on all three sides to ensure easy access. Andrew has fitted an International 2.8 TGV to replace the original 300Tdi, an engine that it has a great deal in common with. The TGV offers simple mechanics – suitable for the DIY mechanic or for desert repairs – and improved performance. With a variable-vein turbo and silicone hoses, the engine develops 140bhp, with torque increased from the 300Tdi’s 131 lb ft at 1850rpm to 204 lb ft at a mere 1450rpm. An Allisport
UP Close
Going strong: 300Tdi-based 2.8 TGV diesel engine (above) marries simple, sturdy mechanicals with robust performance – a great combination for an overlanding Land Rover. Sitting pretty: Exmoor Trim’s Elite seats (right, above) are aptly named. Pulling power: Terrafirma winch will get you out of a hole, quite literally.
andreW HarriSOn-SmiTH
1994 130 doUbleCab PiCk-UP engine: 2.8 international tgV Mileage: 134,000
intercooler has further increased the performance and a stronger Icon anti-roll bar improves handling. Inside, the Defender is fitted with Exmoor Trim Elite seats and soundproof matting to improve comfort and make long journeys a lot more tolerable. And when the tarmac runs out, the Defender is equipped for all eventualities. A Terrafirma winch encased in the same
If you’re nowhere near home, you can choose from one of two Hannibal roof tents, with awnings on the nearside and rear for extra cover.
Buy THiS defender if…
yoU Plan to traVel aroUnd the World
firm’s winch bumper provides reassuring back-up and a two-inch Terrafirma suspension lift increases the ride height and improves off-road ability. Shod with Cooper Discoverer STT tyres on Terrafirma wheels, here’s a Defender that can pull itself through most terrain.
If you’re going overlanding, you need to be prepared for all eventualities. With this 130, you would be. There’s space for five people, a high-capacity body for kit and an engine capable of cruising easily at 70mph. Keep the speed a bit more modest and you’ll enjoy 30-plus mpg.
April 2012 LRO 39
sheep but, despite this, it was clean – the perfect canvas for Nick’s list of proposed modifications. The suspension was the first thing to be changed. Nick opted for a Gwyn Lewis 4x4 challenge suspension kit with Old Man Emu springs and shock absorbers. The kit provided everything to get the 90 up to standard and, although more expensive than other shock absorbers and coils, the Old Man Emu components offered the best compromise for road handling, as Nick still wanted to be able to drive the Defender to local pay-and-play days. Next on were the competition front wings from Whitbread and 35-inch Silverstone MT 117 Xtreme tyres, fitted on Mach 5 wheels. A secondhand Scorpion Racing front winch bumper, which Nick modified to fit, allowed him to fit a Gigglepin 8274 winch. The more pay-and-play days and events that Nick went to, the more the Defender was modified. It was soon sporting an ARB diff locker in the rear axle, Mamba bucket seats and Sparco harnesses plus a through-cab raised air intake. The pick-up body was ditched soon after, to make way for the Whitbread rear trayback body. Richards Chassis custom-made Nick a rear winch tray to fit in place of the rear crossmember, which meant that a rear Gigglepin winch could be fitted as well. Of all the Defenders here, this is the most capable off-road. And it certainly goes to show just how far a Defender can be modified to excel in the rough. And Nick hasn’t even finished yet – there’s still an ARB diff locker to fit in the front axle and more lights for night-time driving on his list. For now, though, Nick has the LRS Challenge series to look forward to, as well as the Ultimate Challenge and Santa’s Challenge later on in the year.
No.12 defender 130 CHerry piCKer
This cherry picker is in great condition, considering it’s a commercial Land Rover that has worked hard all its life. There’s obviously a limited market for such a specialist conversion, but Andrew knows that it’ll be right up somebody’s street. While he waits for that buyer to come knocking, Andrew has grown quite fond of this Land Rover’s quirky nature – and with its Priestman Equipment 10.5-metre arm on the rear, it’s proved to be a great help in maintaining the buildings and trees surrounding Nene’s premises. It wallows a bit on the road, but you’d kind of expect it to, really. It’s different and quirky, and it demonstrates the heights Land Rovers can aspire to… ■ For more information about this Land Rover, visit neneoverland.co.uk.
UP Close
Clockwise from top left: put these steadying influences down first, then go and pick your cherries; power takeoff operating lever; wire cages guard against damaging drops on the roofmounted beacons; pilot’s controls for the cherry picker itself.
andreW HarriSOn-SmiTH 2000 130 Cherry PiCker engine: td5 Mileage: 98,000
A
s a dealer in secondhand Land Rovers, Andrew Harrison-Smith of Cambridgeshire-based specialist Nene Overland knows more than a thing or two about Defenders. So, when word came his way that this 130 was up for sale, there was no way in the world that he could say no to it.
Buy THiS defender if…
yoU’Ve got soMe tall trees to triM April 2012 LRO 45